Signs That You Need Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery

If you search the term ovarian cyst on the internet, you will find that this condition affects millions of women every year. You will also see that ovarian cysts are curable with the help of a medical practitioner.

Mostly, ovarian cysts go away on their own without any medical intervention. However, some cysts can feel uncomfortable and might even lead to complications. If that happens, you are only left with one option – Ovarian cystectomy or the ovarian cyst removal surgery.

It is important to get rid of the uncomfortable cysts so that your ovaries maintain normal functioning. Here, we will discuss some of the symptoms that point towards the need for a medical intervention to avoid any possible complications.

A] What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that develop on a woman’s ovaries. Every woman experiences one of the two types of ovarian cysts at some time in their life. These include functional cysts and complex cysts. Functional cysts are a part of your regular menstrual cycle. These cysts come and go. 

Usually, there isn’t much need to pay attention to these cysts as they appear as a part of the reproductive cycle and disappear on their own. Sometimes, even those cysts that make you extremely uncomfortable and frustrated also go away on their own. 

Complex cysts usually stay longer and might even cause extreme pain and discomfort. 

Ovarian cysts appear due to several reasons. For instance, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, endometriosis, and pelvic infections might create a situation for the development of cysts. If you develop chronic ovarian cysts, it can cause infertility and several other problems.

 

B] When Do Ovarian Cysts Need To Be Removed?

Ovarian cyst removal becomes important in several scenarios. You might have to opt for ovarian cystectomy when the cysts are interfering with your overall health. 

Here are some cases when removing ovarian cysts is non-negotiable. 

1. Persistent Symptoms

If you experience persistent pain in the pelvic area or discomfort during intercourse, you will have to opt for surgery. One sign you may have an ovarian cyst is the pressure on the bladder or bowels. If this problem does not go away, you must see a gynaecologist to improve your quality of life. 

2. Large Size

It is best to get a diagnosis from a medical practitioner to assess the size of your ovarian cysts. If these cysts grow larger, they might not go away on their own. Larger cysts may pose a risk of rupture or torsion. In such cases, surgical removal becomes necessary to manage the cysts.

3. Suspicion of Cancer

If you are a woman with recurring cysts in a postmenopausal phase, ovarian cystectomy becomes essential. In this phase of your life, there are more concerns about the possibility of ovarian cancer. Also, if the cysts have unusual characteristics on imaging tests, the gynaecologist might recommend surgical removal. 

4. Complications

Ovarian cysts can often lead to complications such as ovarian torsion. Ovarian torsion is a condition where the cyst causes the ovary to twist, cutting off its blood supply. Sometimes, the cyst might also rupture and cause internal bleeding. In such cases, immediate surgical intervention helps in resolving the issue and preventing further harm.

5. Infertility Treatment

Women often experience problems with conception because of ovarian cysts. These cysts can also interfere with fertility treatment procedures, such as IVF. Surgical removal will help you increase your chances of conception. 

6. Other Health Concerns

If ovarian cysts are associated with other health conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the doctor will suggest the removal of cysts on the ovary.

C] Advantages Of Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery

The below-mentioned are some benefits of ovarian cyst removal for women with problematic cysts.

• Less scarring: To remove the cysts, surgeons often perform minimally invasive procedures. There are smaller incisions and less scarring compared to traditional open surgery.
• Less risk of bleeding problems: Minimally invasive techniques do not cause a lot of blood loss during surgery. 
• Less risk of infection: Treatments with smaller incisions and less tissue disruption are less likely to cause any postoperative infections.
• Faster recovery time: With a minimally invasive approach, patients have to prepare themselves only for shorter hospital stays. The ovarian cyst recovery time is also less. Patients can return to their normal activities sooner.
• More precise surgery: These days surgeons use minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy. Laparoscopy allows surgeons to have better visualisation and control during the procedure.
• Less post-surgery pain: Minimally invasive approaches cause less postoperative discomfort and pain compared to traditional open surgery. 

D] How Do You Prepare For An Ovarian Cystectomy?

Before undergoing an ovarian cystectomy, patients must mentally prepare themselves with guidance from their medical professional, such as a private gynaecologist in London.

Let’s take a look at the steps to prepare for the surgery:

1. Follow Preparation Instructions

Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on when to stop eating and drinking. He will also tell you when to discontinue certain medications, and what time to arrive at the hospital or surgical centre to begin the procedure to remove ovarian cysts. You must adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe surgical experience.

2. Ask Questions

If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, consult with your surgeon before the surgery date. Doing so will help you feel less anxious and get clarity regarding how to get rid of ovarian cysts.

3. Undergo Preoperative Evaluation

Your medical team will conduct preoperative tests to assess whether you are fit for surgery. The team might ask for your blood tests, imaging scans, electrocardiograms (ECGs), etc.

4. Arrange For Support

Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital or surgical centre. You will also need support at home during the initial recovery period.

5. Follow Postoperative Instructions

After the surgery, your surgeon will provide you with specific postoperative instructions. These instructions are usually related to wound care, activities, medication, and follow-up appointments. You must follow these instructions to lessen the ovarian cyst removal surgery recovery time.

E] What To Expect From Recovery Period After The Procedure? 

Preparing yourself mentally for what you will experience after the surgery will help you with faster recovery. As a patient, you can expect some discomfort and fatigue during the recovery period.

Here are some of the things you must remember to make your recovery smoother. 

• Follow the doctor’s instructions: Follow the care instructions that your doctor provides. Limit your physical activity and take prescribed medications for pain relief as directed.
• Resume activities gradually: You can slowly resume normal activities on the recommendation of your surgeon. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting in the initial days.
• Return to work: Depending on the type of surgery and the recovery progress, you may be able to return to work within a few weeks.
• Attend follow-up appointments: Attend follow-up appointments so that the doctor can monitor and evaluate your condition. Follow-up appointments will ensure proper ovarian cyst surgery recovery and detection of any signs of recurrence early on.

Conclusion

Ovarian cysts cure on their own. However, sometimes when you experience extreme symptoms, you might need to opt for an ovarian cystectomy. Medical intervention becomes important when you experience persistent pelvic pain, discomfort during intercourse, or a risk of cancer because of the large size of the cyst. 

Ignoring the ovarian cysts can lead to long-term health complications. Patients must opt for a medical diagnosis and an ovarian cyst removal surgery. If left unattended, cysts can also lead to infertility. They can also affect your reproductive health. If you have an ovarian cyst and it is interfering with your everyday functioning, feel free to contact us to get more information on how you can treat it.